I've been writing my inker-centric 'Inkblots' column for Sketch Magazine since 2006 from issues 30-39 but there's been a several month gap since that issue and the publisher hasn't offered any status updates leaving me with no answers for inquirying fans at the conventions I attend. So with my editor's understanding I have accepted the offer of Rik Offenberger of FirstComicsNews.com to run my column there as of yesterday. Since I had quite a few topics completed and in the can for months and even years, I started out with my annual Inkwell Awards results for 2009 which had a note about the passing of Dave Simons (which occurred almost a year ago). The second topic "Name that Inking Style" was one I've been wanting to see 'print' for a couple of years and is now public. In the future I may run my previously-published columns, revised, at the site, as well as new ones. My status is still active at Sketch for the time being, albeit in limbo with the magazine itself. Hopefully issue 40 will ship soon which has both part of my origin story, originally printed out of order with part two in issue 38. The official site has 41 announced as shipping in January but that's way out of date at this point....a step-by-step tutorial with my inks over Sal Velluto's The Phantom is slated for that one. Please post at the venue and show me some love and support!

I just got in two of the three color versions of the Pittsburgh Comicon t-shirt art as mentioned in the last column. They were done by artist Koa Beam. Only the black background isn't here. Which version do you like better?

I thought I'd put a spotlight my upcoming shows and signings in this entry. Right around the corner is the Boston Comic Con on April 10-11 at a new venue and a cast of thousands where I will debut the new Inkwell Awards brochure and 2010 Donation Book and my family will spend the Sunday with me. On April 23-25 I will make the annual roadtrip with Zeke, Alyn, and Bob to the Pittsburgh Comicon, which has become like a 'home' show to me. Not only did they have me contribute to the show's t-shirt art inking over Glenn Klimeck's image with Iron Man and Black Widow in anticipation of Iron Man 2 (I'll post a color file if I'm sent one in a separate entry) but this is the venue that will introduce model Chrissy Cutler as the Inkwell's spokeperson Ms. Inkwell. And don't forget Inkwell Hall of Fame namesake Joltin' Joe Sinnott! For Free Comic Book Day on May 1st I was invited to two different venues this year, (three actually but I had to turn down the last one) which I find amusing as some years I don't invited anywhere;-) I'll start off at the legendary That's Entertainment in Worcester, MA, my second signing there to date, from 12 to 3 with I'm sure more yet to-be-announced guests, and then hustle on over to New England Comics in my hometown of New Bedford to share space with artist Juli Mayers from 4-6pm. I was invited to attend the Granite State Comic Con later that month on the 23rd and this will be my third? appearance there for the Proulx brothers at Double Midnight Comics. And lastly, after a four year absence, I will return to the magical Heroes Con on June 4-6 along with Ms. Inkwell and perhaps the largest contingent of Inkwell Awards members since the 2009 NYCC such as Bob Shaw, Jimmy Tournas, Nathan Massengill, Randy Green, Adam Hughes, Ethan Van Sciver, and Tim Townsend! Wow, what a plugapalooza!

Later I'll discuss the second half of the year. If I have any strength left in me....

I've had two Inkwell Awards banners for a couple of years now but after over eighteen years in the industry I finally got around to getting my own vertical banner. My bud and fellow committee Inkwell Awards member Jimmy Tournas took some image files of mine and designed the two shown below. The Marvin and Gossammer image on top of both is from my pencils, inks, and colors and is available for sale as a print. The Panther image (also a print) was penciled by Sal Velluto and intended for our last Black Panther issue cover but it was rejected by Marvel but later fully rendered for a client as a commission (colored by Tom Smith) and subsequently used on a Panini ComicsBP collection edition in France. I rejected the first one with Thanos and requested the second one with the BP cover art. This will debut at this Sunday's March 7 North East Comic Con, co-promoted by Jimmy (with special guests Norm Breyfogle and Billy Tucci). So did I make the correct choice of banner in your opinion? And does anyone even know from what issue the Thanos panel came from or can identify the pencil artist to draw it? The first one to do so (issue and artist, not banner choice, USA RESIDENTS ONLY) and post it here will receive a signed copy of one of my sketchbooks mailed to them at no cost.

I've been sitting on this one for agonizing months and today the announcement was made here at the Wizard Entertainment site. Inkwell comittee member Jimmy Tournas set this event in motion and much manly love goes out to him for that as well as Gareb Shamus, Peter Katz and April Wiggins, all of Wizard, for their interest, cooperation, and generosity.